Curbside Stories

Photo from yahoo.com. After 36 years, the curse has finally broken and the Philippines finally won the blue crown. The first ever Filipina to win Miss World is Megan Young, the 23-year old actress and model from Pampanga. She bested Miss France (First Runner-up) and Miss Ghana (Second Runner-up) and the other 123 candidates today in Indonesia. This is one momentous event for the Philippines. Everyone is proud right now just knowing that the beauty, talent and intelligence of a fellow Filipino was recognized internationally. Congratulations, Megan Lynne Young!

I am not a fan of American football but I am definitely a fan of Beyonce. Her halftime performance at the Super Bowl  made me like her even more! She is such an amazing artist.    

Photo from here . Exactly a week ago, Manny Pacquiao was robbed of a boxing title... that was the belief of many. Many, too, believes that Timothy Bradley deserved the title. There were some news of a rematch on November... both parties agreed, but, Bob Arum said it won't happen unless a formal investigation will be made to clear the controversial bout. My thoughts... I was able to watch the fight live on television and based on my perception of the entire event, it was a really close fight. I am not an expert in boxing nor a fanatic but in my own opinion, Bradley gave his best. He was not expecting to win after all. On the other hand, Pacquiao also gave his best but if I were to compare his performance that day to his previous fights, it was not his best. He has lost fierce and desire to win the match. He has tamed. Does it have to do with his change of faith? We don't know. But, if it was... his defeat over a "lesser" boxer can be a test of fait...

I am not a football fan, heck, I do not even know the rules of the game. But, I watched the televised exhibition game of the Azkals and LA Galaxy at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and I was hooked. So, the LA Galaxy won with a score of 6 versus the 1 goal of the Azkals, but the game brought the house down. It was one unforgettable moment in the world of sports particularly in the world of football fans in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao was the lucky one who took home David Beckham's jersey. 

Manny Pacquiao beat Juan Manuel Marquez for the last time in Welterweight division. The pound for pound boxing champ, Pacman, did not give what was expected of him but nonetheless, by majority decision, he remains the champion. I watched the most awaited rematch on live television and saw first hand how the two fighters performed. I believe that Marquez gave his all to this fight--it was the fight of a lifetime for him, a chance to prove that he is the real champion. Round 1 ended, 2, 3, 4 and 5... both seemed to be even. Round 6 came, 7, 8, 9, 10... it seems Marquez dominated the 5 rounds. The last two rounds were critical for Pacquiao... no knockout. It was a nerve wracking 2 minutes or so waiting for the decision. While the judges tally their scores, Jinkee Pacquiao was teary eyed, Marquez started to make his little celebration on the other side of the ring, Pacquiao knelt to pray and eventually approached Marquez as if confirming the latter's reason for celebration....

Imagine the Senate without her... it would be dreadfully boring.

Steve Jobs is dead. The former CEO of Apple passed away today because of pancraetic cancer. He knew his time is short so he left the chairmanship of Apple to his long-time business partner and friend, Tim Cook, last August. The man who changed technology will be missed.

Congratulations Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup, for bagging the Miss Universe 2011 Third Runner-up slot. We are so proud of you! The Winners: 4th Runner-Up - Miss China, Luo Zilin 3rd Runner-Up - Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup 2nd Runner-Up - Miss Brazil, Priscila Machado 1st Runner-Up - Miss Ukraine, Oleysa Stefanko Miss Universe - Miss Angola, Leila Lopes

Photo from phillyburbs.com. Yep! The hotel heiress and socialite, Paris Hilton, arrived on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for a 5-day business trip to promote a resort hotel and to open her fashion boutique. Despite losing two cellphones, she happily tweeted: "Mabuhay Philippines! I just arrived, thousands of fans waiting at the airport when I walked in. I feel so welcomed here! Mahal ko kayo! :)" She's wearing a mustard tunic with embroidered neckline and comfortable jeans. She added chunky gold rings, bangles and simple earrings to complete the look. Oh, and let us not forget about her bug-eye sunglasses for the not-so-incognito look. So chic!

Captain America is my least favorite of Marvel superheroes, but, that was before I saw the movie. Today, I was able to see the human side of Captain America--how he struggled to become a soldier and how his heart made him America's superhero. Unlike other superheroes with super powers from other planets, Captain America shows that any regular guy (skinny even) can be anyone's superhero--you just have to have the right intentions and a good heart. I am going to spill a bit about the movie... I never heard any character said 'I love you' because they really don't need to--their feelings are too obvious. I think that Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most important characters of the movie despite his less than three minutes camera exposure and a few lines. Cast of Characters: Chris Evans - Steve Rogers/Captain America Hayley Atwell - Peggy Carter Sebastian Stan - James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes Tommy Lee Jones - Colonel Chester Phillips Hugo Wea...

Miley Cyrus's concert last night in Manila was a success! Filipinos and tourists alike went gaga over the spectacular performance of the international teen star. Photo from here . To add on the fun, Miley guested fellow teen stars--Sam Concepcion and the late Master Rapper, Francis Magalona's son, Elmo, to perform. The Gypsy Heart World Tour  was held at the concert grounds of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. It's the third time that a big international teen sensation held concert here--Taylor Swift and Justin Beiber being the first two. Congratulations to the producers and organizers.

Fairy tales do come true... well, sometimes, like in the case of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that has a striking resemblance to the characters of our favorite Disney fairy tale--Cinderella.

Oprah announced in 2009 that her show will soon come to an end. She made it public and her fans, including me, were left astounded. Why would she end something so great? God has plans, and surely, Oprah has, too. The well thought of plan was soon understood and accepted... it is time to move on. Yesterday, The Oprah Show officially signed off in front of hundreds of live audiences and millions of viewers at home.  Goodbye, Oprah! We will miss the happy headaches.

The 17 year old North Carolina native beat Lauren Alaina in this season of American Idol. I wasn't surprised when Ryan Seacrest announced Scotty's name because I already knew when he auditioned that he will make it to the top. When Ryan asked Scotty how he felt, he said, "Man, it's been a year since me and Lauren tried out. We've been together since day one, and we're going to stay together." What surprised me was when Scotty kissed Lauren after Ryan announced he won and when I heard Scotty say "I love you baby" to Lauren when he was singing the final song. Are they a couple?  Watch again the video. That is definitely not a kiss on the forehead. This is what I get for not watching AI every week. Here is my favorite Scotty song... a duet with Lauren. They actually look and sound good together.

From Reuters. Congrats Pacman!  It was your most boring fight ever but still you made Filipinos proud. Mommy Dionisia can have her Hermes bag . 

If your mom is a Pacquiao fan, better give her pay-per-view ticket for tomorrow's fight versus Mosley as your Mother's Day Gift. Otherwise, treat her to a posh dinner for two... I know you don't want to miss the fight. Just don't forget to greet your mom and thank her because if it weren't for her, you definitely will not witness the most anticipated boxing event of the year.

Photo from Huffington Post . Congratulations to the newly weds! I am one of the billion watchers from all over the world who eagerly watched the exchange of vows of the most famous couple of the century--Prince William and Kate Middleton. I actually was teary eyed while I watch Kate walk down the aisle and when she and Prince William walked on the aisle for the first time as husband and wife. It was a really touching experience although I only saw it on television.  Perhaps the most awaited reveal of the wedding is the designer of Kate's dress. Well, lo and behold, it was Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen! The dress is reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding dress --classy and not as grand as everybody expected it to be--but, nevertheless, seeing her in a McQueen dress is an unforgettable moment in fashion and it will surely be on the list of the most iconic dresses of all time. Her shoes are by McQueen, too. And, Queen Elizabeth II is so gracious to lent her the 1936 Carti...

Live TV : Ustream

Poor Lady Gaga falls on stage during her concert in Houston. Being a professional performer that she is, she continued singing without even missing a note. Kudos Lady Gaga!